The UK’s largest Kashmiri restaurant chain opened its 15th branch in Ilkley at the weekend.

The Aagrah restaurant group has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in its new restaurant at The Moors Shopping Centre in the town and created 25 new jobs.

The official opening on Sunday saw the packed restaurant of invited business guests treated to music by a national saxophonist as they enjoyed a buffet of more than 30 dishes.

Officiating at the opening ceremony Dr Ingrid Roscoe, Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire said: “I am really proud to be associated with one of the family’s enterprises.”

The restaurant features a large atrium with glass covered ceiling, leading to a fine dining restaurant offering a warm and relaxed ambience for 90 covers. It features a kitchen which can be seen through a cutout wall, serving favourites of Kashmiri cuisine with international influences.

The restaurant has a fresh seafood bar from which customers can select their choice of seafood and have it cooked to order. Another unique feature is a chef’s VIP table, seating a party of six.

Executive head chef and managing director Mohamed Aslam MBE said: “We have tried to create a place in harmony with the local architecture and heritage, with attention to detail for an all-round Aagrah experience.

“We are passionate about the changing seasons and fresh foods that are in tune with the land.

“Our own traditions of cooking follows the cycles of the year, recognising that the freshest produce makes the best ingredients and for this reason a truly seasonal cuisine is our goal here at The Aagrah.”

The restaurant development was managed by Steve Walker, architectural consultant and project manager. The interior design and art was by Teresa Snowden, a local artist who was commissioned to create special pieces for Aagrah inspired by Ilkley Moors.

The company hopes the Ilkley branch will join in the success of its string of restaurants in the region including its first one, which it opened in Shipley in 1977 by Aagrah chairman, Dr Mohammed Sabir MBE.